I arrived at The Love School at lunchtime, as suggested by the school’s founder and director, Mama Claudia. Everyone calls her Mama Claudia. As I walked down to the outdoor dining area, in an attempt to be friendly, I called out to the children, “Is this the Love School?” One bright spark aged about five said, “It’s Manzanita.” This lad will go far. Studies have shown a sense of humor in a child is an indication of higher intelligence.
About fifteen children aged three to six were at a big oak table surrounded by trees, eating broccoli, lentils, rice and lettuce. I can report the food was delicious. The children at The Love School are encouraged to say “please” and “thank you” and wash up their own bowl and spoon when they have finished eating.
There are no rigid rules, although children are taught to respect each other. Nor are there any official class times for learning particular subjects, but Mama Claudia expects each child who graduates from the school (usually aged eight) to be able to write and do sums, and to communicate effectively and respectfully.
Mama Claudia explained, “At The Love School, every child is celebrated for their unique way of being, learning, growing, and connecting with the world. Our programs are designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and compassion—rooted deeply in nature and guided by love.
“Part of our Global Village Program is supported by a trilingual immersion in English, Spanish and French, woven through the gentle rhythms of the day.
“Nourishment, too, is held as a shared celebration of beautiful food and friendship. We gather to prepare and enjoy fresh, organic foods, lovingly made by eager young cooks alongside the chef of the day.”
The five teachers take it in turns to cook. Not all the educators are trained teachers. “Some are just brilliant with children,” said Mama Claudia, who exudes loving kindness. And patience.
While I was there, I witnessed (how can I put this diplomatically?) an incident involving an act of aggression. It was handled with extraordinary patience and kindness to both children. Then resolved with discussion, hugs, kisses, and an apology.
I marveled at Mama Claudia’s handling of this situation, admitting that I come from a generation of British parents who don’t have any problem saying “no” to a child and firmly telling them not to do something.
“Some of our generation has been raised with an autocratic kind of dominance,” Mama Claudia explained. “The reaction to that has been a very extreme, gentle parenting. I’ve been educating children for almost 35 years and we need to come into balance, just like with everything else.
“We see the splendor of our children and the genius,” said Mama Claudia. “But as the ego starts developing, children need to have boundaries so that it actually settles their own nervous system. It is about our divine authority. Stepping into our divine, being centered and non-reactive. Not shouting. But always setting a boundary.”
There’s usually a reason behind a young child whining, kicking or screaming. If needed, an upset child will be taken to a place where they can take at least one deep breath—usually three—to get themselves centered and grounded. Sometimes all that’s required is some attention. A child who is shouted at will shut down. A child who is criticized and judged won’t stop loving their parent or carer, they’ll stop loving themselves.
Born and raised in Montreal, Claudia was an actress and enjoyed some success, appearing in some 20 feature films. Before that she worked in community leadership. Five minutes after her first son, Sebastian (now 37) was born in South Africa, “…when I was in that liminal space, I saw this land, oak trees, and a creek. I didn’t know Topanga existed. I saw my grandchildren running from their home to mine. That was my vision. My dream became Sebastian’s dream and then his wife Samantha’s dream.
“Largely due to Samantha’s parents’ investment, along with mine, we were able to buy the property and add to it, so it became our family compound and The Love School.”
Acting brought Claudia to Los Angeles. By this time, she was a single parent to Sebastian, as her first marriage didn’t work out. Mother and son started Southern California life at Venice Beach “which was beautiful, but I was looking for a deeper nature and someone suggested Topanga.”
Claudia re-married and had two more children: Mo (26) and Enchanté. Enchanté is 23, but remains childlike both physically and mentally.
“I really love the term ‘special needs’, but the more respected way of describing it is neurodivergent. Having a daughter like Enchanté, I have learned that we all have special needs. We all need particular care. These angels come in to open our hearts and for us to learn how to love them even more unconditionally.”
Is it challenging mothering a child like Enchanté?
“I’ll say that Enchanté was very easy until she wasn’t. But she came to the right mother. Having a special-needs child, a neurodivergent child, any child, can be challenging. Not everybody’s meant to be a mother to begin with. And no mother was meant to be a single mother. It takes a village to raise a child. Here at The Love School, we are an extended community.”
Claudia’s second marriage didn’t make it either, but she is part of a thriving multi-generational family. Not surprisingly with Claudia’s incredible patience and diplomacy, everyone—including former husbands—all get along. And one of the teachers at The Love School is Grandpa John, the father of Mama Claudia’s daughter-in-law.
There are currently 20 to 25 families with children at The Love School. The children, aged nine months to eight years old, are cared for and educated from 9 am to 2 pm one to five days a week. Drop-off and collection times are flexible. Teachers arrive at 8 am and begin welcoming children at 8:10 am. There’s also an after-school program and Mama Claudia is considering expanding their home-school program.
Under the leadership of this extraordinary educator and child whisperer, children learn about and discuss their oneness with all things. And, of course, the importance of love.
